Power actuated hatchcover



2 Sheets-Sheet l J. E. HANNIGAN POWER ACTUTED HATCHCOVER FIG.

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LIII l l l I l I I1 Sept. 29, 1959 Filed Dec. 23, 1957 ....nlllu BY mf AT TORNE Y FIG. y.3

Sept. 29, 1959 J. E. HANNIGAN POWER ACTUATED HATCHCOVER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 25, 1957 INVENTOR.

JOSEPH E. HANNIGAN ATTORNEY United States Patent YO POWER ACTUATED HATCHCOVER Joseph E. Hannigan, Mantua, Ohio, assgnor to Cleveland Pneumatic Industries, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Y Application December 23, 1957, Serial No. 704,581

10 ClaimS. (Cl. 16o- 188) This invention relates generally to closure operators and more particularly to an actuating system suitable for use in the operation of hatchcovers for ships and the like.

It is an important object of this invention to provide a mechanism for producing relative rotation between two panels or doors through a 180 angle.

It is another objective of this invention to provide a new and improved power actuator folding door system.

A still further objective of this invention is to provide a new and improved power actuator hatchcover system for ship hatchways.

Further objects and advantages will appear from the following description anddrawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective View of a typical hatchcover to which this invention is applicable;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the hatchcover showing the cover elements in both the closed and open positions;

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view with the top plate removed showing the generalvarrangement of the actuating mechanism;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation showing the position the actuating mechanism assumes When the cover is closed; j

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 showing the position the elements assume in an intermediate opening position and,

Figure 6 is a View similar to Figures 4 and 5 showing the positions the elements assume in a fully opened position.

Referring to Figure 1 a hatchcover incorporating this invention is normally formed with a plurality of panels or pontoons 10, 11, 12 and 13 which are positioned in a side-by-side relationship and cover the ships hatchway when they are closed. In the illustrated hatchcover there are four panels, however, it should be understood that the size of the-hatchway and the stowage clearances adjacent thereto determine the number of panels used in a particular installation. In the embodiment shown the panels and 11 are connected by spaced hinges V14 for relative rotation around a hinge axis 16 and the panels 12 and 13 are similarly connected by spaced hinges 17 for relative rotation about a hinge axis 18. AThe panel 10 is hinged to the ships coaming 19 or the ships deck, as the case may be, by hinges 21 for rotation around a pivot axis 22 and similarly the panel 13 is connected to the coaming 19 by hinges 23 for rotation around a pivot axis 24. Thus the panels are divided in to left and right pairs wherein the left pair comprising the panels 10 and 11 can be rotated from the closed position to the opened or phantom position of Figure 2 at the left end of the hatchway and the right pair comprising the'panels 12 and 13 can be rotated to the phantom position at the right end of the hatchway. As mentioned previously, this structure is merely illustrative of one stowing arrangement and can be modified to move all Ythe panels to one or the other end of the hatchway by a simple re-arrangement of the hinge connections.

. a horizontal plane.

V 2,906,325 Patented Sept. 29, 1959 rice The panel 11 is provided with a support arm 27 on either side of the hatchway on which is mounted a roller 26 which rolls along a track 28 on the coaming 19 to guide the right end of the left pair of panels in Similarly the panel 12 is provided with support arms 31 on which are mounted rollers 29 which are adapted to roll along tracks 32 mounted on a coaming 19 in offset relationship with the tracks 28. The opening of the hatchway is accomplished by producing relative rotation between the panels, each pair around their respective hinges 16 and 18. Since the end panels 10 and 13 are mounted on the coaming 19 for pivotal movement about their respective axes 22 and 23, it will be understood that the relative rotation of the panels 10, 11, 12 and 13 will cause the rollers 26 and 29 to move along their respective tracks until the panels assume the phantom position of Figure 2. A comparison of the closed and open positions will show that the panels of each pair must rotate through a full from the closed to the opened position so the mechanism for the power operating the hatchcover system must be capable of producing 180 of relative rotation between the panels.

Each of the panels is formed with a relatively heavy upper plate 35 which is stifened by beams and struts, not shown, to give the panels suflicient structural strength. The upperplates 35 cooperate to form a continuous surface when the panels are closed so that it is not necessary to enclose the lower surfaces of the panels. Therefore the lower surface 30 of each panel is formed by an open grid of stiifening beams and struts. It will be understood that these panels will have to be arranged to provide adequate strength and, inaddition, provide support for the actuating mechanism. However, since the particular beam structure will vary widely with different applications, it is not critical to this invention and is not shown. l

The preferred power actuating mechanism according to this invention is best illustrated in Figures 4 through 6 wherein the mechanism used to fold the panels 12 and 13 is illustrated. It should be understood that as shown in Figure 3 two or more such mechanisms are mounted side by side to operate the panels 12 and 13 and further that similar but opposite mechanisms are mounted between the panels 10 and 11, but since all mechanisms are alike only one of the mechanisms used to operate the panels 12 and 13 will be discussed in detail. Each mechanism includes a uid motor 41 having a cylinder 42 pivoted on a bearing pad 43 for rotation around a pivot axis 44. The bearing pad 43 is in turn supported on the upper plate 3S of the panel 13 at a point spaced from the adjacent ends 46 and 47 of the panels 12 and 13 respectively. A piston 48 extends into the cylinder 42 and is axially movable relative thereto under the influence of iluid under pressure supplied to the cylinder 42 by hydraulic pressure lines 52 and 53. When uid under pressure is supplied to the line 52 the line 53 is connected to a reservoir return and the piston 51 moves to the right relative to the cylinder 42. Conversely when the opposite Huid connections are made the piston 48 moves to the left relative to the cylinder 42. Normally the two pressure lines 52 and 53 areconnected to a source of uid under pressure such as a pump or accumulator and a reservoir through a 4-way control valve (not shown). A link 49 is pivotally connected to a bearing pad 54 for rotation relative thereto around a pivot'axis 56 and the bearing pad 54 is in turn mounted on the underside of the upper plate 35 of the npanel 12 adjacent to the edge 46. The link is also pivotally connected to the piston 48 by a pivot pin 50 for relative rotation about an axis 51. To' complete the actuating mechanism, I provide opposed Vguide tracks or cams 57 mounted on the panel 13 along which cam followers'SS ioll. Preferably the cams 57 are formed of opposed U-shaped channels 59 and 61 best shown in Figure 3 supported on opposed plates 66 and 67, and the cam follower 58 comprises opposed bearings mounted on the pivot pin 50.

To operate the panels between the closed position of Figure 4 and the open position of Figure 6, it is necessary to supply liuid under pressure to pressure line 53 and connect-the pressure line 52 to the reservoir of return; This causes the piston 48 to move to the left relative to the cylinder 42 which causes the cam followers 53 t'o roll along the cams V57.A This motion is transmitted through the link 49 and produces rotation of the panel 12 'in "a'counterclockwise direction relative to the panel 13 around the axis 18. As the piston48 continuesto move' out of the cylinder the various elementsv pass through the position of Figure 5 and move to the position of Figure 6 at`which timerthe two'panels have rotated relative to each other through' 180. It should be noted that the effective torque for a given force developed by the fluid 'motor `41 is at a maximum when the elements are in th Ve closed position of Figure 4 Iand drop oi as the elements assume the vposition of Figure 6. This is desirable-since the torque required to operate the panels between the closed and open positions is at a maximum as the panels initially move away from the closed position and drops off to a relatively low value as the panels assume the open position.

The cams 57 can be a number of different shapes depending upon a particular torque curve desired and the oneshown is merely -illustrative of one which has desirable characteristics. T he' illustrated cam has 'a first straight portion 63 followed by a circular portion 64, having center of curvature at 65, which extends bcyond the end 47 of the panel V13; It is necessary to arrange the cam so that the-locus of movement of the axis 51 is inclined relative to a line connecting the axes 51 and 56 in all positions of operation, `and so that the follower 58 moves beyond the end 47 when the panels move to the open position. If ysuch proportions are used, the mechanism will not moveV through a dead center and will be capable of producing torque through the entire 180 operational range. l

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the above described mechanism with its utilization of a piston and cylinder type fluid motor and simple linkage is relatively immune to damage or wear and will therefore produce a long trouble-free service life which is important in marine applications. In addition the piston rod extends between the two plates 66 and 67 which support the cams 59 and 61 respectively, so the piston rod is protected from the elements and from damage. In addition the cylinder 42 is Acompletely contained within the panel 13'in all positions so it is protected.

When the panels are to be moved from the open position of Figure 6 to the closed position of Figure 4, the hydraulic connections to the cylinder 42 are rever-sed and the piston 48 moves into the cylinder 42 producing tension in the link 49 which initiates the closing movement. Once the panels have movedY away from the fully opened position `their weight will assist in returningthern to the closed position, lso, it will usually be desirable to provide metering means in thereservoir return line to control the rate of closing.

Althoughthe preferred embodiment of thisinvention is illustrated, it will be realized that various modifications of the structural details may be made without departing from the mode of operation and the essence I claim:

1. A closure comprising a pair of panels, a hinge connecting adjacent ends of said panels for relative rotation between a first aligned position and a second position, of relative rotation from said first position, a link pivotally connected to one of said panels at a point spaced from saidfhinge, motor -means connected between said link and other panel operable to effect said relative rotation, and cooperating cam means between said link and the other of said panels maintaining movement of said link within a predetermined locus.

2. A folding closure comprising a pair of panels, a hinge connecting adjacent ends of said panels for relative rotation between a first aligned position and a second position 90 of relative rotation from said first position, a link, a pivot connecting said link to one of said panels at a point spaced from said hinge, a cam on the other of said panels, a cam follower on said link in guided engagement with said cam, and motor means connected -to said link operable to move said follower along said cam, a line connecting said pivot and follower being inclined relative to said cam in all positions of said panels.

3.*A folding closure a pair of panels, a hinge connecting adjacent ends of said panels for relative rotation between a first aligned position and a second position-90 of relative rotation from said first position, an elongated link, a pivot connecting lsaid link to one of saidl panels at a point spaced from said hinge, a cam on the other of said panels extending beyond said adjacent end thereof, a cam follower on said link in guided engagement with said cam, and fluid motor means including piston and cylinder elements movable relative to each other under the influence of fluid under pressure, one of said elements being connected to said link and the other to said other panel, a line connecting said pivot and follower being inclined relative -to said cam in all positions of said panels.

4. A folding closure comprising a pair of panels having spaced inner and outer surfaces, a hinge connecting adjacent ends of saidv panels for rotation around an axis adjacent to said inner surfaces between la first aligned position and a second position 90 of relative rotation from said first position, an elongated link, a pivot connecting said link to one of said panels adjacent to the outer surface and adjacent end thereof, a cam on the other of said panels extending beyond said adjacent end thereof, a cam follower on said link in guided engagement with said cam, and fluid motor means connected between said link and other panel operable to move said follower along said cam, a line connecting said pivot and follower being inclined relative to said cam in all positions of said panels.V

`5. A folding closure comprising a pair of panels having spaced inner and outer surfaces, a hinge connecting adjacent ends of said panels for rotation around an axis adjacent to said inner surfaces between a first aligned position and a second position 90 of relative rotation from said first position, an elongated link, a pivot connecting said link to one of said panels at a point spaced from said hinge, a cam on the other of said panels extending beyond said adjacent end thereof, a cam follower on said link in guided engagement with said cam, and fluid motor meansl connected between said link and other panel operable t0 move said follower along said cam, a line connecting said pivot and follower being inclined relative to said cam in all positions of said panels, and said pivot and follower being substantially adjacent to' said outer Ysurfaces when said panels are in said aligned position.

6. A folding closure comprising a pair of panels, a hinge connecting adjacent ends of said panels for relative rotation between'a first aligned position and a second position 90 of relative rotation from said first position, a link, a pivot 4connecting said link to one of said panels at a point spaced from said hinge, a cam on the other of said panels extending beyond said adjacent end thereof, a cam follower on said link in guided engagement with said cam, and motor means connected between said link and other panel operable to move said follower along said cam, said cam being formed with a substantially straight portion adjacent -to said motor land an arcuate portion remote therefrom extending away from said pivot.

7. A folding closure comprising a pair of panels, a hinge connecting adjacent ends of said panels for rotation between a first aligned position and a second position 90 of relative rotation from said iirst position, a fluid motor including piston and cylinder elements movable relative to each other under the influence of fluid under pressure, an elongated link, a first pivot connecting said link to one of said panels at a point spaced from said hinge, a second pivot connecting one of said elements to the other of said panels, a third pivot connecting the other of said elements to said link, and guide means on said other panels engaging said third pivot constraining it to move along a predetermined locus, a line connecting said first and said second pivots being inclined relative to said locus in all positions of said panels.

8. A power actuated hatchcover comprising a horizontal hatchway, first and second panels, a rst hinge connecting adjacent ends of said panels, a second hinge connecting said first panel to one edge of said hatchway, guide means on said second panel movable along said hatchway, a link pivotally connected to one of said panels at a point spaced from said hinge, a cam on the other of said panels extending beyond said adjacent end thereof, a follower on said link in guided engagement with said cam, and a motor operably connected to said follower operable to move it along said cam and produce relative rotation between said panels through 90.

9. A power actuated hatchcover comprising a horizontal hatchway, first and second panels, a first hinge connecting adjacent ends of said panels, a second hinge connecting said first panel to one edge of said hatchway, guide means on said second panel movable along said hatchway, a link pivotally connected to said second panel at a point spaced from said hinge, a cam on said first panel extending beyond said adjacent end thereof, a follower on said link in guided engagement with said cam, and motor means operably connected between said follower and first panel operable to move said follower along said cam and produce relative rotation between said panels through 10. A power actuated hatchcover comprising a horizontal hatchway, first and second panels, a first hinge connecting adjacent ends of said panels for rotation between a first aligned horizontal position and a second vertical position, a second hinge connecting said first panel to one edge of said hatchway, guide means on said second panel movable along said hatchway, a fluid motor including piston and cylinder elements movable relative to each other under the influence of fluid under pressure, an elongated link, a first pivot connecting said link to one ofsaid panels at a point adjacent to said adjacent end thereof and spaced from said hinge, a second pivot connecting one of said elements to the other of said panels, a third pivot connecting the other of said elements to said link, and guide means on the other of said panels engaging said third pivot constraining it to move along a predetermined locus, a line connecting said first and said second pivots being inclined relative to said locus in all positions of said panels.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,457,907 Heisler June S, 1923 2,351,285 Parsons June 13, 1944 2,664,947 Aarvoid Jan. 5, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 409,231 Great Britain Apr. 26, 1934 

